AI-Designed Enzymes Break Down Plastic in Hours(earth.org)
earth.org
AI-Designed Enzymes Break Down Plastic in Hours
https://earth.org/plastic-eating-enzyme/
3 comments
Breaks down plastics into what? And what are the by products?
Into its component molecules.
For example, PET plastic (used in bottles) is made of many units of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The enzyme breaks the bonds linking these units, releasing the original molecules.
Why is this a good idea?
Recycling
Reduced Waste and Pollution
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic production.
For example, PET plastic (used in bottles) is made of many units of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The enzyme breaks the bonds linking these units, releasing the original molecules.
Why is this a good idea?
Recycling
Reduced Waste and Pollution
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic production.
What challenges remain for scaling this technology?